QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GLOSSARY
Statins
Statins are a class of lipid-lowering drug that has recently been announced as being available over the counter. They have been shown in a number of trials to reduce coronary heart disease and prolong life. However, we do not recommend that individuals buy the drug simply because they have high cholesterol levels. Statins are only indicated if the total level of risk, taking into account all the risk factors, is high. Only an appropriate clinic can determine this need accurately. Furthermore, it must be determined whether the high cholesterol is the "bad" type - low or very low lipoproteins - or the "good" type - high density lipoprotein.
Statins have side effects, which include liver toxicity. Do not take statins without having regular liver function tests. Stop the statin if a new symptom, eg muscle pains, occurs. Do not increase the dose in an attempt to make your cholesterol normal; this can lead to death from rhabdomyolysis (a condition in which the muscles of the body dissolve and cause kidney failure).
Elderly people who do not have arterial disease are advised NOT to take statins as high cholesterol is associated with better overall survival in the elderly.